Supporting local business

The idea of supporting local business is common around the world. When we support local shop owners, the profit goes directly to them, and not to the head honchos up in corporate. The profits stay local and the business, remaining small is able to cater to the needs and be a part of the community it resides in. This has become somewhat of a trendy idea in Los Angeles, where the local shops have become hipster centrals, but either way it is a noble cause to stand by.

In Paris, this idea is much more ingrained in the people's minds and is also a continual topic of discussion and debate. Let's take a look back to August 12, 1989 when José Bové of the Confédération Paysanne destroyed a McDonald's building site. He then became the lead voice for the anti-globalization movement that is against these massive transnational corporations.

This whole idea of anti-globalization is very complex, but I do believe in empowering local businesses and business owners. So today, we went to Marché des Enfants Rouges, a beautiful open air market located in the 3rd arrondissment. It also happens to be the oldest market, standing on what used to be an orphanage site during the 16th century.

The market is lined with very nice stalls of farmer's market style foods as well as sit down places of a wide variety from Lebanese to Japanese.

First stop was bread, the man who worked here was so kind to us tourists. He gave us a free organic pancake with orange zest, which was a sweet treat. He also added on a complimentary ciabatta bun with my bread purchase. Less than 2 euros for a great loaf of bread.

Then we stopped to get some freshly sliced prosciutto, which was surprisingly very affordable. It's usually a misconception when people think that buying locally equates to spending more. Less than 6 euros for meat for four people

And what's a trip to the market without a bit of cheese? A heaping bloc of brie for around 5 euros, sounds like a deal to me! Even though brie is easily available in the US, this brie was quite unique. It was so rich, the flavor had so much more depth and flavor than the brie you would find in America.

For a refreshing bite and balanced meal, we purchased mounds grapes and cherries, for around 14 euros total. Turns out our eyes are way bigger than our stomachs, we couldn't finish even half of the fruit!

The whole picnic meal turned out to be around 7 euros per person, such a great deal! A wonderful way to get a taste of all these delicious flavors, get your money's worth, and make sure it gets put back to where it belongs, with the shop owners!

Then we took a sweet walk along the Saint Martin Canal (which I had no idea even existed, again thank you to Dom Tom for the recommendation!). A leisurely stroll lead us to Jardin Villemin where we lounged around with many other Parisian families and sunbathing young folks. Our picnic was pleasant, and a fantastic change of pace in the go-go mentality of a tourist.

Sundays in Paris are absolutely wonderful, picnicking with friends is an absolute must! There are several markets open every single day throughout Paris, so it's easy to get a taste all of the locally owned shops and help stimulate the local economy as well.

Cheers to Sundays spent picnicking!

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